Reusable brush cleaning accessory and method of use

ABSTRACT

A brush accessory for fitting over the bristles and head of a brush, such as a hairbrush used for pets or humans. The accessory generally includes a stretchable band surrounding a stretchable mesh web which fits between the bristles of the brush. Optional pull tabs and brush handle loops can be connected to the stretchable band for easy removal and secure attachment to the brush handle, respectively.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/655,614 filed Jul. 20, 2017 which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/880,488, filed Oct. 12, 2015, which claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/178,704, filed Apr. 17, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a brush cleaning accessory, and more specifically to a reusable accessory which attaches to brushes, such as hairbrushes, for easy cleaning and removing of debris, such as hair, from the brush.

2. Description of the Related Art

Brushes, such as hair brushes for humans and animals, become clogged with hair and other debris through use. It is often difficult to remove this hair and other material without leaving some small amount behind. This also becomes time consuming. What is needed is a reusable device which quickly and easily removes all hair and other debris from a brush in a single action.

Heretofore there has not been available a hairbrush accessory system or method of use with the advantages and features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a brush accessory for fitting over the bristles and head of a brush, such as a hairbrush used for pets or humans. The accessory generally includes a stretchable band surrounding a stretchable mesh web which fits between the bristles of the brush. Optional pull tabs and brush handle loops can be connected to the stretchable band for easy removal and secure attachment to the brush handle, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a typical environment affixed to a brush.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof, showing the preferred embodiment of the present invention removed from the brush.

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional isometric view from an alternative angle of that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention absent its environment.

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a typical environment affixed to a brush.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention absent its environment.

FIG. 7 is aside elevational view thereof shown in a flat orientation.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view thereof shown in a removed, flexed orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Brush Accessory System 2

Referring to the figures in more detail, FIGS. 1-4 show the preferred embodiment brush accessory 4 in its typical environment affixed to a brush 6, such as a hairbrush. As shown in FIG. 1, the elastic band 8 wraps around the head 14 of the brush 6, and the stretchable mesh net 10 weaves between the bristles 18 of the brush. The brush accessory 4 is placed onto the brush 6 before the brush is used, and then can be removed from the brush, which simultaneously removes all hair or other debris caught between the bristles 18.

An optional pull tab 12 may be placed on one or both ends of the elastic band 8. These tabs may be made of the same material as the band or any suitable material. Similarly, the band may be made of any stretchable material other than elastic, such as rubber or spandex. The pull tab 12 shown in FIG. 1 is a simple loop which aids in pulling the accessory 4 from the brush head 14. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, another such pull tab 12 is placed on the other end of the band 8, which tab can be looped around the handle 16 of the brush 6, ensuring that the accessory 4 remains with the brush in the case of accidental removal from the brush head 14, and also helps secure the accessory 4 to the brush head.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the accessory 4 by itself. Here it is shown to have a basically elliptical shape prior to being formed over the head of a brush. However, any shape may be suitable for the accessory 4, including circular, rectangular, or square. The pull tabs 12 similarly may be flat pieces of material, such as leather or rubber, rather than the loops as shown.

In practice, the accessory 4 is placed over the head 14 of the brush 6 by stretching the band 8 around the exterior of the brush head 14. If a pull tab 12 is affixed to the band, it may be looped around the handle 16 of the brush. The mesh web 10 becomes interspaced between the bristles 18 of the brush 6. The brush may then be used for cleaning or for hair brushing. Once finished with the brushing action, the accessory 4 is removed from the brush head 14. As this occurs, all hair and other debris woven between the bristles 18 is pulled away from the brush head 14 along with the accessory 4, thereby cleaning the brush. The elastic band 8 contracts after being removed from the brush head, and the band 8 and webbing 10 cups around at least a majority of the hair and debris, causing the hair to be easily captured for disposal rather than falling to the ground. If a pull tab is affixed to the band 8 and not looped around the handle 16, that pull tab may be used to help pull the accessory 4 from the brush head.

III. Alternative Embodiment Brush Accessory System 102

FIGS. 5-8 show an alternative embodiment brush accessory system 102 including a brush accessory 104 for being placed over bristles 18 of a brush 6 having a head portion 14 and handle portion 16. This could include paddle brushes or standard brushes of any size and shape. The elastic band 108 is intended to be placed about the bases 118 of the outer bristles 18 of the brush. In this way the elastic band 108 does not wrap about the head 14 of the brush 6, and instead contours about the bristles 18 themselves, which could be in any orientation on the head of the brush.

A first stretchable tab 112 allows the accessory 104 to be connected about the handle 16 of the brush 6. This allows the accessory 104 to be removed from the brush while still remaining attached at the handle to prevent loss of the accessory and for easy replacement after cleaning of the accessory.

A second tab 120 which is oriented vertically about the elastic band 108 allows for easy pulling of the band about the bristles 18 and also includes an internal space 122 for storage of hair styling supplies 126, such as hair clips or bobby pins.

FIG. 8 shows how as the elastic band 108 is removed from the edges of the bristles 118 the band constricts, forming a basket of the webbing 110 trapping in hair 124 and other debris for easy cleaning of the brush head and bristles.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects. 

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A method of cleaning a brush having bristles, the method comprising the steps: placing a brush cleaning accessory about bristles of a brush, each said bristle comprising a base, said brush cleaning accessory comprising a stretchable band having an interior area and a stretchable mesh net connecting to said stretchable band and filling said interior area of said stretchable band, said stretchable mesh net configured to be interspaced between bristles affixed to said head of said brush, wherein said stretchable band is placed about the bases of a plurality of said bristles; looping a first pull tab affixed to said stretchable band over a handle of said brush, thereby securing said brush cleaning accessory to said brush via said first pull tab; placing at least one hair accessory within an opening within a second pull tab affixed at an opposing end of said stretchable band from said first pull tab; said first pull tab having a generally parallel orientation with said stretchable band and a generally horizontal opening for receiving said handle; said second pull tab having a generally perpendicular orientation with said stretchable band, such that said opening is vertically oriented; brushing an object with said brush; removing said brush cleaning accessory from said head of said brush while retaining said first pull tab about said handle, thereby displacing debris located between said bristles; contracting said stretchable band upon removal from said head of said brush; deforming and displacing said stretchable mesh net; and cupping said stretchable mesh net about said debris, thereby capturing said debris within said stretchable mesh net while said first pull tab remains affixed to said handle.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said debris comprises hair.
 3. A hairbrush accessory comprising: a stretchable band surrounding a stretchable mesh, said stretchable mesh configured for being interspaced amongst a plurality of bristles located on a hairbrush, each said bristle comprising a base; said stretchable band configured for being placed about a perimeter of the bases of said bristles; a first loop configure for looping about a handle of said hairbrush, said first loop having a generally planar orientation parallel with said stretchable band; a second loop configured for receiving and storing hair accessories, said second loop having a generally vertical orientation perpendicular with said stretchable band; wherein said stretchable band and stretchable mesh are configured to be removed from a first, installed position about said hairbrush bristles to a second, removed position away from said hairbrush bristles while retaining said first loop about said handle; wherein said stretchable band is configured to retract in said second, removed position; and wherein said stretchable net is configured to deform in said second, removed position, thereby forming a cupped shape configured for trapping hair and debris.
 4. The hairbrush accessory of claim 3, wherein said hair accessories are selected from a list comprising: hair clips, bobby pins, and barrettes.
 5. The hairbrush accessory of claim 3, wherein said perimeter of the bases of said bristles is defined by an exterior set of said bristles. 